2026 World Cup: Didier Deschamps in mourning

The French national team will have to do without their coach Didier Deschamps for their final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup against Norway. The French Football Federation announced on Tuesday the passing of the manager's mother, forcing him to return to France to attend the funeral.

Didier Deschamps is mourning the loss of his mother. He has left the squad and will not oversee training sessions ahead of the match. The French manager will also be absent from the Les Bleus bench on Friday night for the Group I clash.

Guy Stéphan steps in

In agreement with FFF president Philippe Diallo, the manager has entrusted the running of the team to his loyal assistant, Guy Stéphan, until he returns.

For now, the federation has not specified whether Didier Deschamps will be back in the United States ahead of the round of 16 scheduled for June 30. In its statement, the FFF expressed support for the French coach and his family during this difficult time.

Nouya M'toama

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